Ironing machine



May 22, 1928.

E. M. RICHARDS IRONING MACHINE Filed Sept. 20, 192.1

6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Qflingifli INVENTOR.

nick WITNESSESS mm ATTORNEYS May 22, 1928.

E. M. RICHARDS IRONING MACHINE Filed Sept. 20, 1921 6 sheets-sheet 2 INVEN TOR.

LZ M

A TTORNEYJ May 22, 1928. 1,670,742

E. M. RICHARDS IRONING MACHINE Filed Sept. 20, 1 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 wmsmsszss INVENTOR.

' A TTORNEY.

May 22, 1928. E. M. RICHARDS IRONING MACHINE Filed Sept. 20, 1.921

6 Sheets-Shed 4 A TTORNEYS May 22, 1928.

E. M. RICHARDS IRONING MAGHIN E t 3 4 6 2 iv m M 6 W: W Y

c wnm 2 n w WITNESSESS MM May 22, 1928. 1,670,742

E. M. RICHARDS IRONING MACHIN E Filed Sept. '20. 1921 e sheets-sheet 6 Fisn.

WIT/15.5.3555

A TTORNEYS Patented May 22, 1928.

UNITED STATES 1,670,742 PATENT OFFICE.

EARL M. RICHARDS, OF PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOB TO K. O. SWOBODA,

IN 0., OF PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA, A CORPORATION OF PENNSYLVANIA. v

IRONIN G MACHINE.

Application filed September 20, 1921.

The invention relates to domestic ironing machines of thc type which includes a rotatable roll and a shoe movable with relation to each other to and from cooperating ironing position, the roll being rotated by a motor through driving connections forming a part of the machine.

The object of the invention is to improve the construction and operation of such machine to the end that less labor will be involved in the ironing operation. A further and more specific object is to provide a machine in which the movements of the cooperating ironing elements to and from ironing position is effected by the roll driving motor, the stopping and starting of which is controlled by the means for effecting the 111ove ments of the ironing elements.

The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings of which Fig. 1 is a front view of the complete machine; Figs. 2 and 3 right and left end views of the machine as seen in Fig. 1; Fig. 4 an enlarged view of a speed control device forming a part of the drivin connections between the motor and roll; ig. 5 a rear view of the central portion of speed control device illustrated in Fig. 4; Fig. 6 a side view to enlarged scale of the right end of the machine, the housing being removed to show the details of construction; Fig. 7 a combined sectional view and elevation taken substantially on the broken line VII-VII, Fig. 6; Fig. 8 a rear view of the ironing shoe; Fig. 9 a sectional View taken on the line IXIX, Fig. 8, showing the shoe in ironing position; and Figs. 10 and 11 views similar to Fig. 9, showing the shoe in two positions removed different distances from ironing position.

\Vhile in the practice of the invention in its broader aspects either of the two ironing elements, namely, the roll and shoe, may be constructed to move with relation to. each other to and from ironing position, the roll is preferably mounted in fixed bearings and the shoe constructed and arranged to move to and from the roll, and the invention is so illustrated herein.

Referring first to Figs. 1, 2 and 3 of the drawings, the entire machine is supported by a pair of end frames 1 and 2, each of which is preferably constructed of u per and lower parts adapted to be connecte to each other as indicated at 3 so that the frame may be separated for convenience in transportation Serial No. 501,881.

and in moving the machine through narrow guarters, as for example, through a narrow oorway or upon narrow stairs. In a manner presently to be more fully explained an IIOIllIlg roll 4 is rotatably mounted in the upper portion of the end frames, and adjacent to the roll an ironing shoe 5 is mounted to move to and from 'the roll. In front of the upper portion of the roll there is a feeding table 6 upon which clothes to be ironed may be supported before and while they are being passed between the roll and shoe. Thereafter, the clothes drop upon a pan or receiving apron 7 which inclines downwardly towards the front of the machine. When completely ironed the clothes may be hung upon a bar 8 pivoted to, and adapted to be removed from, end frame 1.

As indicated in Fig. 7, the ironing roll may comprise a cylinder 9 of sheet metal mounted at its ends upon flanged disks 10. Upon the exterior of cylinder 9, there is a pad 11 of felt or any suitable material. The end disks 10 of the roll are provided with laterally extending sleeves 12 which are rotatably mounted in the frames 1 and 2. For rotating the ironing roll a suitable electric motor 13, preferably of the constant speed type, may be conveniently mounted upon the lower side of feeding table.6, and connecteai with the roll preferably by direct positive driving connections. These connections preferably include a change speed device, so that the roll may be rotated at different speeds, and a flexible section for the purpose of removing the initial strain of starting.

In the driving connections shown in the drawings and particularly in Figs. 1, 4; and 5, the motor armature shaft 14 is connected to a sleeve 15 which in turn is connected by a pair of spirally arranged flexible bands 16 to a second sleeve 17 mounted upon a shaft 18 which is rotatably mounted in a housing 19 secured to the feed table 6. The flexibility of bands 16, arranged and connected as shown and described, relieves the initial strain when starting the motor, revents undue drop in current supply an consequent flickering of electric lights when starting the motor, and makes it unnecessary to accurately align shaft 18 with armature shaft 14 when assembling the machine. For effecting a change in driving speeds, there is rotatably mounted upon shaft 18 a sleevel20 provided with a pinion 21 which meshes with a larger pinion 22 keyed to a shaft 23, to which shaft there is also keyed a second and smaller pinion 24 meshing with a pinion 25 secured to or forming a part of a sleeve 26. Shaft 18 terminates within sleeve 26, as for examle, at the dotted line 27, and such sleeve is Keyed to a rotatable shaft 28. The ad'aicent ends of sleeves 20 and 26 are provide with clutch teeth, and between these ends a clutch ring 29 having teeth on both sides is feathered upon shaft 18 in such a manner that the clutch ring is longitudinally slidable upon but rotatable with shaft 18.

In the operation of the change speed device, when movable clutch ring 29 1s 1n engagement with the clutch teeth on the end of sleeve 26, shaft 28 is driven directly through the clutch 29 and sleeve 26 keyed to shaft 28. en the clutch rmg engages the teeth on the end of sleeve 20, shaft 28 is driven at a lower speed, the line of drive being through clutch ring 29, sleeve 20, inions 21 and 22, shaft 23, pinions 24 an 25, and sleeve 26. In the intermediate position of clutch ring 29, shaft 28 is disconnected from the motor, thereby affording a means for quickly stopping the machine. For moving the clutch ring, it may be provided with a peripheral groove 30 adapted to receive the yoke 31 secured to a shaft 32 adapted to be rocked by an operating wheel 33. The clutch ring may be held in either of its extreme positions in engagement with the clutch face of either sleeve 20 or 26 by a spring 33 (Fig. 5) attached at one end to housing 19 and at its other end to an arm 34 secured to shaft 32. As shown on Fig. 1 the position of the change speed device for effecting either a slow or fast driving of the ironing roll may be indicated by a pointer 35 attached to shaft 32 and by suitable legends on the outer exposed face of housing 19.

The outer end of shaft 28 is connected to a bevel pinion 37 which, meshes with bevel pinion 38 secured to a rotatably mounted shaft 39 provided with a worm 40 meshing with a worm gear 91 secured to sleeve 12 of the ironing roll (Figs. 6 and 7). Through this worm gear connection and the change speed device explained above, the ironing roll may be driven positively at different speeds, the strain of starting being relieved by the flexible connection between the armature shaft and the change speed device.

The construction of the ironing shoe 5 is shown in Figs. 8 and 9. It consists of a cast metal body provided with a sheet metal cover 41, and may be heated by a gas burner in the form of a pipe 42. To effect an even distribution of the fuel in pipe 42 the gas supply connection to it is preferably at its center. Preferably, the face of the ironing shoe is so formed that the articles being ironed are subjected to the greatest pressure as they enter the machine. This is indicated to exaggerated scale in Figs. 6 and 9 which show in exaggerated form the face of the shoe gradually receding from the roll. When the shoe is pivotally supported as will presently be explained, t e general effect of this shaping of the shoe is to afford a substantially uniform space between the shoe and roll when articles are being ironed, so that the partially ironed articles at the lower portion of the shoe will be subjected to less pressure than when entering the machine.

As previously stated, the ironing shoe is mounted for movements to and from the rolls. While such movement may be variously effected, it is preferred to pivotally mount the shoe in end frames 1 and 2 in such manner that the weight of the shoe normally tends to move it away from the roll. For pivoting the shoe to the end frames each frame may be provided with a bearing pin 43 (Fig. 6), and each end of the shoe may have formed on it a lug 44 having an arc-shaped bearing portion adapted to rest upon a pin 43. Pivotally mounted on each pin 43 and adjacent to the shoe lugs 44 there is a lever 45. These levers are detachably connected to lugs 44 by means of removable pins 46 so that by rocking the levers the ironing shoe may be swung to and from ironing position.

The movement of the ironing shoe through levers 45 is effected by motor 13 through suitable connections which will now be explained, having reference articularly to Figs. 6 and 7. Extending tiirough roll 4 there is a tubular shaft 47 which is not directly connected to the roll driving mechanism nor to the roll, and hence does not rotate during the normal rotation of the roll. To the right and left ends of shaft 47 there are attached sleeves 48 and 49, re-

' spectively, each of which is provided with a laterally extending arm 50 arranged eccentric to the axis of shaft 47. Between each of these arms and the outer end of each lever 45 there is a yielding link connection comprising a pin 51 pivoted to arm 50, a pin 52 pivoted to the outer end of lever 45 and a spring 53 bearing at its opposite ends upon shoulders formed on pins 51 and 52. To adjust the compression of springs 53, the shoulders on pins 52 which afford a seat for the springs may take the form of adjustable nuts 54. When arms 50 are in the position indicated in Figs. 3, 6 and 7, the ironing shoe is held yieldingly against. the face of the ironing roll, and when arms 50 are moved to a position substantially 180 from that indicated in these figures, the compression of springs 53 is relieved and the 10. This movement is effected by gravity, the center of gravity of the shoe and levers 45 connected to it by pins 46 being to the right of a vertical plane passing through the pins 43, as viewed in Fig. 6.

For rotating shaft 47 to bring arms 50 into these alternate positions, means are provided to connect shaft? 47 to the driving connections extending from the motor. The means to this end preferably includes a clutch ring 55 (Fig. 7) feathered to shaft 47 so that it may move longitudinally thereof but be rotated thereby. In a position to be engaged by clutch ring 55 a clutch member 56 is attached to or formed integrally with the side of worm wheel 91. In Fig. 7 clutch ring 55 is shown out of engagement with clutch member 56, this being the position of the parts during the normal ironing operation. To move the clutch ring to the left into engagement with clutch member 56, the clutch ring is engaged by a yoke 57 formed on the upper end of a bell-crank lever 58, 59, pivoted to frame 2 at 60. This lever is nornally urged towards clutch-releasing position by a spring 61 arranged between the outer end of lever arm 59 and a lug 62 forming a part of supporting frame When sleeves 48 are rotated to such positions that arms 50 extend downwardly to hold the shoe in ironing position, a lug 63 projecting laterally from lever arm 58 extends into a notch 64 formed in the periphery of sleeve 48. In this position of the parts indicated in Fig. 7 spring 61 holds bell-crank lever in clutchreleasing position, and in such position lever arm 58 locks the ironing shoe in ironing position.

The movement of the bell crank lever to unlock the ironing shoe and to bring clutch ring 55 into engagement with clutch member 56 is preferably efiected by a connection to a pedal 65 extending the full width of the machine and pivoted to end frames 1 and 2. This connection preferably comprises a link 66, spring 67, link 68, spring 69 and link 70, link 66 being attached to lever arm 59 and link to pedal 65. The purpose of springs 67 and 69 in this line of connection and the relative strength of these and of spring 60 are explained in the description of the operation of the machine.

Means are provided whereby the movements of pedal 65, or an equivalent member for controlling the movement of the ironing shoe to and from ironing position, also become effective to stop motor 13 after the ironing shoe has moved from ironing position, and to start the motor for the purpose of rotating the roll and bringing the ironing shoe into ironing position. This is preferably efl'ected by a pair of electrical switches arranged in the motor circuit and adapted to be controlled by moving parts of the machine. Supported by frame 2, there is an electric switch 71 having an operating member 72,- such switch being of the familiar snap type in which alternate inward move ments of the operatingmember open and close the circuit controlled by the switch. In other words, the switch is so constructed that during one movement of operating member 72 towards the switch casing, the circuit will be opened and that during the next movement of the o crating member in the same direction the circuit Wlll be closed. For moving the switch-operating member a lever 73 is pivoted to the frame at 74, one arm of the lever being in a position to be moved by an adjustable stop 75 secured to link 68 of the bell-crank lever operating connection, and the other end being in a p0si tion to press against the switch operating member 72. The arrangement here is such that during each downward movement of link 68, switch 71 is operated to either open or close the switch depending upon whether it was previously closed or opened.

A second electric switch 79 having an operating member 80 is attached to the frame in such position that when the ironing shoe is in ironing position lever 45 will hold switch-operating member 80 in circuit closingposition. Switch 79 is of the type in which the switch is normally urged yieldingly to open position but is held in closed position by continuously pressing operating member 80 inwardly of the switch casing. The arrangement of these switches and the motor circuit conductors 81 and 82 is diagrammatically represented in Fig. 6. Conductor 82 leads to one side of switch 71 and extends from the other side thereof to the motor, the circuit through such conductor being adapted to be closed through a movable switch conductor 83 indicated in dotted lines. The two ends of switch 71 are connected by conductors 84 and 85 to switch 79, and the circuit may be completed between the ends of these conductors by a movable switch conductor 86 indicated in dotted lines in switch The general arrangement is that conductor 82 is divided into parallel conductors, one of which is controlled'by switch 71 and the other by switch 79, the motor circuit being closed when either or both of the switches are closed. The operation of these switches in effecting the proper control of the motor will be explained in the following description of the operation of the machine as a whole.

In explaining the operation of the ironing machine it will be assumed as a starting point that the ironing shoe is in ironing position and the circuit through motor 1?) closed through switch 71 as well as through switch 79. In this position of the parts clutch ring 55 is out of engagement with clutch member 56 (Fig. 7), and lug 63 on lever arm 58 extends into slot 64 of sleeve 48 to hold the ironing shoe yieldingly against the roll.

Through the several r0 s and springs in the line of connection between pedal 65-and lever arm 59, lever arm 58 is moved to the left against the resistance of spring 61 to bring clutch ring 55 into engagement with clutch member 56 and to simultaneously release lug 63 from slot 64. This movement of the "-edal also becomes eflective, through stop 5 and lever 73 to throw switch 71 to open position, but the circuit through motor 13 remains closed through switch 79. Through clutch ring 55 shaft 47 is now rotated by the motor to cause sleeves 48 and 49 to move arms 50 upwardly. As sleeve 48 rotates, slot 64 therein'is'carried beyond lug 63 with the result that the lug bears against the side of the sleeve and locks clutch ring 55 in engagement with clutch member 56. The compression upon springs 53 is released by the upward movements of arms 50 so that the ironing shoe is free to swing backwardly -on its pivot pins 43. As lever 45 moves upwardly due to this backward swinging of the ironing shoe, switch member 80'is released to open switch 79, thus completely breaking the circuit through the motor and hence stop ing its operation.

In the ownward movement of pedal 65 to effect the movement of the clutch as just explained the initial movement of the edal is effective only to move lever arm 59 ownwardly and compress spring 61 which is lighter than either of the other springs, namely, 67 and 69, in the line of connection between the pedal and lever 59. Further downward movement of the pedal expands sprin 67, which is lighter than spring 69, and t rou h lever 73 operates switch member 72. ring 69 is provided in this line of connection to avoid breakage in case too much pressure should be accidently or carelessly placed upon pedal, 65. When the edal is released, spring 67 contracts so that ever 73 no longer holds switch operating member 72 inwardly of the switch.

The next downward movement of pedal 65 causes rod 68 to move downwardly against the tension of springs 67, and as a result thereof switch 72 is thrown to circuit closing position. Thereupon, the motor circuit is closed and the rotation of the ironing roll is again started. Clutch sleeve 55 being now in engagement with clutch sleeve 56 as a result ofthe receding downward movement of the edal shaft 47 is rotated until notch 64 is rought into registration with lug 63, at which time spring 61, acting through bell-crank lever 58, 59, throws clutch ring 55 outwardly to break the drivin connection between the motor and sha t 47. The continued operation of the motor drives the ironing roll until it is again desired to stop the operation which may be done by again pressing pedal 65 downwardly in the manner just explained.

The position of the ironing shoe during the ironing operation is indicated in Figs. 6and 9 and its position when moved in the manner explained above is shown in Fig. 10. In case it is desired to move the shoe further from the roll, as for example, when it is desired to clean the shoe or to renew or adjust the padding 11 of the roll, pins 46 may be removed and the ironing shoe will then drop backwardly to a position shown in Fig. 11. Thus, the ironing shoe may be moved to two open positions with relation to the roll. A further advantage in being able to move the ironing shoe from the roll by withdrawing pins 46 is that in case the electric current should be shut off while the shoe is in ironing position, the shoe may be readily moved from such osition to avoid the burning of clothes in t e ironing machine or the burning of the roll ad.

The advantages 0 the machine are apparent from the foregoing explanation of its construction and operation. Because of the ease with which the shoe may be moved to and from ironing position, the machine is particularly suitable for ironing complicated pieces where'it is frequently necessary to separate the ironing elements many times. To further facilitate the ironing of complicated pieces, frame 1 at the left end of the machine is so constructed that the end of the shoe and. roll are exposed as seen in Fig. 3.

Manifestly, many changes may be made in the construction and arrangement of the parts of the machine without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In an ironing machine, the combination with cooperating ironing elements comprising a rotatable roll and a shoe movable with relation to each other to and from ironing position, of a motor for rotating the roll, a releasable driving connection between the motor and one of said ironing elements for efl'ecting by said motor said relative movements of said elements, and a single operating member for'making said connection and for controlling the starting and stopping of said motor.

2. In an ironing machine, the combination of a rotatable roll, a shoe movable to and from ironing contact with said roll,

' in cooperative relation, amotor for rotating the roll, a releasable driving connection between the motor and said shoe for moving the shoe with relation to the .roll, a single operating member for making said connection, and means controlled both by said member and said shoe for controlling the starting and stopping of said motor;

3. In an ironin machine, the combination of a rotatabIe roll, a shoe pivotally mounted to swing to and from ironing contact with the roll, a motor for rotating the roll, a releasable connection between the motor and said pivoted shoe for moving the shoe, a single operating member for making said connection and for controlling the starting and stopping of said motor, and means actuated by said shoe for holding the motor circuit closed during predetermined periods.

4. In an ironin machine, the combination with cooperating ironing elements comprising a rotatable roll and a shoe movable with relation to each other to and from ironing position, of a motor for rotating the roll, driving connections including a clutch between the motor and one of said elements whereby the relative movements of said elements may be effected positively by said motor in one direction, said elements being relatively movable in the opposite direction by gravity, and a single operating member for moving said clutch and for controlling the starting and stopping of said motor.

5. In an ironing machine, the combination of a rotatable roll, a shoe movable to and from ironing contact with the roll, a motor for rotating the roll, driving connections including speed change means between the motor and said shoe whereby the movements of the shoe may be effected by said motor, and a single operating member for moving said clutch and for controlling the starting and stopping of said motor.

6. In an ironing machine, the combination of a supporting frame, a roll rotatably mounted therein, an ironing shoe pivotally mounted at its'ends only on said frame to swing to and from ironing contact with the roll, a motor for rotating the roll, driving connections including a clutch between the motor and said shoe whereby the movement of the shoe to and from the roll may be effected by said motor, means for releasing said shoe at will from said motor, and a single operating member for moving said clutch and for controlling the starting and stopping of said motor.

7. In an ironing machine the combination of a rotatable roll, a shaft extending through the roll axially thereof and normally disconnected from the roll, a shoe movable to and from ironing contact with the roll, operating levers secured to said shoe and projecting below the'same, crank arms secured to the ends of said shaft and yieldingly connected to said levers, driving connections extending from said motor to said roll for rotating it, said connections including a driven member surrounding said shaft, and a clutch mounted on said shaft movable to and from engagement with said driving member whereby said shaft may be rotated through said driving'member to move the shoe to and from the roll.

8. In an ironing machine, the combination of a supporting frame provided with a pair of bearing pins, a rotatable roll mounted in the frame, a shoe provided at its ends withv lugs pivotally supported by said pins, levers pivotally mounted on said pins, releasable connections between said levers and shoe lugs whereby the movements of the levers cause the shoe to swing upon said pins, a motor for driving said roll, and releasable connections extending from said motor to said levers whereby said levers may be rocked to move said shoe.

9. In an ironing machine, the combination with cooperating ironing elements comprising a rotatable roll and ashoe movable relatively to each other to and from ironing position, of means for effecting said movements, a motor having direct driving connections with said roll at all relative positions of the ironing elements, a motor circuit, and means operated entirely by said movements of the ironing elements for controlling said circuit.

10. In an ironing machine, the combination of a rotatable roll, a shoe movable to and from ironing contact therewith, means for moving said shoe, a motor having direct driving connections with said roll at all positions of the shoe with .relation to the roll, a motor circuit, meansoperated by said movements of the shoe for controlling said circuit, and manual control means operative irrespective of the position of said controlling means for the motor circuit for efiecting movement of said shoe into operative position.

11. In an ironing machine, the combination of a rotatable roll, a shoe movable to and from ironin contact: therewith, a motor for rotating sai roll, a motor circuit, driving connections includin a clutch between the motor and said shoe or moving the shoe to and from the roll, a switch in said motor circuit controlled by the movement of said shoe, a second switch in the motor circuit, and a common control means for said second switch and said clutch.

12. In an ironing machine, the combination of a rotatable roll, a shoe movable to and from ironing contact therewith, a motor for rotating said roll, a motor circuit, driving connections including a clutch between the motor and said shoe for moving the shoe to and from the roll, an operating member for controlling said clutch, an electric switch in said motor circuit, means for alternately opening and closing said switch by the movement of said operating member, a second switch in said circuit in parallel with said first-mentioned switch and closed when the shoe is in ironing position, and means for opening the second switch by the movement of said shoe from ironing position.

13. In an ironing machine, the combination of a rotatable roll, a shoe pivot-ally supported to swing to and from ironing contact with said roll, a motor and driving connections for rotating the roll, a motor circuit, a clutch for making a connection with said driving connections, means connected to said clutch for swinging said shoe, an electric switch in said motor circuit, a single operating member for controlling said clutch and for alternately opening and closing said switch, a second switch in said circuit in parallel with the first-mentioned switch and closed when the shoe is in ironing position, and means for opening the'second switch by the movements of said shoe from ironing position.

14:. In an ironing machine, the combination of a rotatable roll, and a shoe cooperating therewith, the ironing face of the shoe gradually receding from the face of the roll from the entrance to the exit side of the shoe whereby articles being ironed are subjected to a gradually diminishing pressure.

15. In an ironing machine, the combination with main ironing elements movable to and from each other and a motor for effecting such movement and for operating the elements, of a motor circuit, means in said circuit to start the motor to move the ironing elements toward each other, means in said circuit to maintain the motor energized while the elements are in operating position, and an element responsive to relative movement of the main ironing elements for operating the holding circuit means irrespective of the condition of the initiating circuit means so long as the main ironin an operative relationship.

'16. In an ironing machine, the combination with a roll on a shaft and a shoe movable to and from the roll, a motor for rotating the shaft and for efi'ecting relative movement between the roll and the shoe, a clutch on the roll shaft, an eccentric on the shaft operatively associated with the clutch, a lever operatively connected to said eccentric and controlled by the eccentric to control the position of the shoe relative to the roll a switch, and operative connections between said lever and switch for operating the switch upon movement of the lever whereby said lever also controls said switch and thereby the circuit of the motor in accordance with the position of the shoe.

17. In an ironing machine, the combination with a roll supported on a shaft and a shoe movable to and from the roll, of means for effecting such movement comprising a drive gear on the shaft and operatively connected to an electric motor, a clutch on the shaft adapted to be operatively connected to the drive gear, an eccentric element on 'the shaft and connected with the clutch, a yielding lifting element connected to the eccentric and to said shoe for moving the shoe to the roll, and a shifting element for the clutch engaged by the eccentric element to maintain the clutch closed until the eccentric reaches certain positions in its path of travel.

In testimony whereof, I sign my name.

EARL M. RICHARDS.

elements maintain 

